You don’t have to hop on a trans-Atlantic flight to enjoy some of the best classic wine tasting rooms in the world with the oldest Cabernet and Merlot vintages. Savor rich California history and architecture along with many of today’s finest wines at these five bed and breakfasts where history and wine collide.
Old Monterey Inn (Monterey, CA)
Located in Monterey, the historic Old Monterey Inn offers guests the opportunity to stroll through established gardens during their nightly wine and hors d’oeuvres hour. Every room and suite at this romantic inn has been designed to enhance the charm, sophistication, and architectural significance of the impeccably maintained English Tudor mansion. Intricately carved woodwork, copper detailing, and gorgeous stained glass details complement the elegant decor throughout the property. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed listening to the sound of a crackling fireplace, or indulging in a relaxing massage in the inn’s private Spa Room. Regardless of what guests choose to do, the gracious staff will pamper you and tend to your every need during your stay.
Monterey County has been designated a “one-of-a-kind” wine growing district. Cooling ocean breezes, fog and refreshing winds from the surrounding mountains provide the perfect climate for producing world-class wines. Many of the wineries are within easy driving distance and some have tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village. For guests who want a mapped tour, Old Monterey Inn offers its guests a “Personalized Day’s Itinerary”.
Cheshire Cat Inn (Santa Barbara, CA)
Surrounded by lush English gardens and located four blocks from the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, California, the Cheshire Cat Inn is a historic inn that provides guests elegantly designed rooms in two Victorian Queen Anne houses and four Craftsman cottages. This Santa Barbara bed and breakfast has been owned and operated by the same family for over thirty years and no expense has been spared to provide its guests both luxury, romance, and top notch hospitality—all in close proximity to the area’s attractions and activities. Guests will enjoy a homemade breakfast, an afternoon wine hour with local vintages and hors d’oeuvres in the lush English gardens.
Santa Barbara County has several types of microclimates and soils to grow a wide selection of grapes of the highest quality. With over 50 different varieties grown in the region, many wine growers specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as boutique lots of unique wines like Albariño, Tocai Friulano, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc. Either way, you will never run out of vineyards to explore.
Built in 1912, the Craftsman Inn is a charming Napa Valley inn brimming with history and architectural details. Located in Calistoga, California in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, this historic bed and breakfast is the perfect sanctuary to explore the region’s vast cultural offerings. Right outside the inn’s doors are spas, restaurants, and boutique shopping in Calistoga’s historic downtown. Many of Napa’s best wineries surround Calistoga and it is only a short drive to explore the Sonoma, Russian River and Alexander Valleys. Included in the room rate is an afternoon of wine service featuring local wines, bottled water, wi-fi and a distinctive gourmet breakfast served each morning.
With over 250 wineries in the surrounding area, the options in Napa make it easy to satisfy any palette. If that sounds too overwhelming, the innkeepers are happy to find out what interests you and make some suggestions of their personal favorites or share themed trips that have been popular with past guests.
Calistoga Wine Way Inn (Calistoga, CA)
Located near the heart of downtown Calistoga, Wine Way Inn is the oldest running bed and breakfast in the area. This quintessential Craftsman property offers guests vintage charm, modern amenities, accessible luxury, and cuisine. With its close proximity to all that downtown Calistoga has to offer including locally owned shops, renowned restaurants & wineries, galleries, and the famous Calistoga mud baths and spas, the inn provides the perfect location to explore the area.
All guests of Wine Way Inn receive a complimentary afternoon service of local wines, bottled water, wi-fi, and a gourmet breakfast each morning. Within close driving distance to many local attractions, the inn is the perfect temporary home base for guests to visit Napa, Sonoma, and Russian River wineries.
Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse (Little River, CA)
Located on the breathtaking coastline of Northern California, Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse is an enchanting historic bed and breakfast that offers guests beautiful rooms, lush gardens, ocean views, and breakfast in bed. Nestled in the charming hamlet of Little River, the inn offers the perfect home base for exploring the rugged and beautiful Mendocino Coast while allowing guests to decompress from the world.
Dotting the coastline and inland valleys, wineries in Mendocino County span an impressive range of microclimates allowing them to produce a variety of excellent wines, including award-winning Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Guests can enjoy a leisurely drive along Highway 128 through Anderson Valley and explore the charming vineyards and towns of Yorkville, Boonville. Some of the innkeepers’ favorite wineries in Anderson Valley include Navarro Vineyards, Roederer Estate, and Brutacao Cellars. Either way, guests of Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse will enjoy the region’s world-class cuisine, tranquility, and privacy.
